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Related Concept Videos

Polymers02:34

Polymers

37.1K
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the...
37.1K
Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:03

Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview

3.6K
Step-growth or condensation polymerization is a stepwise reaction of bi or multifunctional monomers to form long-chain polymers. As all the monomers are reactive, most of the monomers are consumed at the early stages of the reaction to form small chains of reactive oligomers, which then combine to form long polymer chains in the late stages. Hence, the reaction has to proceed for a long time to achieve high molecular weight polymers.
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...
3.6K
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism01:04

Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

2.1K
The mechanism for anionic chain-growth polymerization involves initiation, propagation, and termination steps. In the initiation step, a nucleophilic anion, such as butyl lithium, initiates the polymerization process by attacking the π bond of the vinylic monomer. As a result, a carbanion, stabilized by the electron‐withdrawing group, is generated. The resulting carbanion acts as a Michael donor in the propagation step and attacks the second vinylic monomer, which acts as a Michael...
2.1K
Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism00:57

Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

2.4K
The cationic polymerization mechanism consists of three steps: initiation, propagation, and termination. In the initiation step of the polymerization process, the π bond of a monomer gets protonated by the Lewis acid catalyst, which is formed from boron trifluoride and water. The protonation of the π bond generates a carbocation stabilized by the electron‐donating group. In the propagation step, the π bond of the second monomer acts as a nucleophile and attacks the...
2.4K
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:20

Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview

2.2K
The polymerization process that involves carbanion as an intermediate is called anionic polymerization. It is also a type of addition or chain-growth polymerization. Anionic polymerization gets initiated by a strong nucleophile such as an organolithium or a Grignard reagent. The most commonly used initiator for anionic polymerization is butyl lithium. Monomers involved in anionic polymerization must possess a vinyl group bonded to one or two electron-withdrawing groups. For instance,...
2.2K
Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters01:20

Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters

2.3K
The introduction of polyesters has brought major development to the textile industry. The wrinkle-free behavior of polyester blends has eliminated the need for starching and ironing clothes.
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the...
2.3K

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Updated: Sep 16, 2025

Fabrication of a Bioactive, PCL-based "Self-fitting" Shape Memory Polymer Scaffold
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Fabrication of a Bioactive, PCL-based "Self-fitting" Shape Memory Polymer Scaffold

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Self-healing and shape-shifting polymers controlled by dynamic bonds.

Shang-Wu Zhou1, Chengyuan Yu1, Meng Chen1

  • 1Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry Institute of Fine Chemicals School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering East China University of Science and Technology Shanghai China.

Smart Molecules : Open Access
|July 8, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Dynamic chemistry enables polymers to exhibit self-healing and shape-shifting behaviors by controlling molecular dynamics. This review explores the link between microscopic changes and macroscopic material properties.

Keywords:
dynamersdynamic bondsself‐healingshape‐shiftingsupramolecular chemistry

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Area of Science:

  • Fundamental and applied chemical sciences.
  • Polymer science and engineering.
  • Materials science.

Background:

  • Dynamic chemistry precisely controls chemical systems' dynamics at the nanoscale.
  • Molecular or supramolecular dynamics can be scaled to macroscopic properties.
  • Stimuli-induced changes in polymer structures lead to advanced functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review how microscopic dynamics in polymers lead to reversible macroscopic deformation.
  • To discuss self-healing and shape-shifting polymer materials.
  • To highlight challenges and opportunities in dynamic polymer research.

Main Methods:

  • Focus on the relationship between molecular design and macroscopic material behavior.
  • Analysis of dynamic reversible mechanisms in polymers.
  • Examination of the role of dynamic components in material fabrication.

Main Results:

  • Stimuli-responsive polymer materials exhibit self-healing and shape-shifting properties.
  • Microscopic molecular dynamics are critical for macroscopic deformation.
  • Subtle molecular design dictates material functions.

Conclusions:

  • Dynamic polymers offer significant potential in materials science.
  • Further research is needed in fundamental chemistry and material fabrication.
  • This field provides inspiration for developing novel materials.